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Tuesday, 26 March 2013

Take Five: Cover Versions

Today's Take Five is all about cover versions. It's a huge risk for an artist to remake a song that everyone loves. All too often the new version is not as good as the original. Occasionally, a talented artist will make a cover version that is even better than the original or gives it a whole new meaning. Here are five that will blow you away.

AAG - Bewafa

First produced for the Friction Lab, Aag's version of Imran Khan's Bewafa is phenomenal. The opening of the track is beautiful and the whole song is packed with emotion throughout. For me this is better than the original and has got more plays than Imran Khan's Bewafa.

Ricky Jatt - Kangna

Dr Zeus' Kangna is a modern classic guaranteed to fill the dance floor. Ricky Jatt has reinterpreted the song and given it a melodic makeover. His vocals are brilliant and soulful. This version has a light summery feel that was never in the club version.

Kominas - Choli Ke Peeche

A remake of the famous Madhuri dance number from Khalnayak, the Kominas' version of Choli Ke Peeche
is radically different to the original. Packed with guitar riffs and brass I can't
imagine Madhuri dancing to this. This song is incredibly cool and credit
has to go to the BBC for inviting the band to do a live session at
Maida Vale studios.

Sonu Nigam - Baharon Phool Barsao

Sonu Nigam pays tribute to Mohammad Rafi in this classic from the film Suraj. His vocals are excellent, but it is the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra accompanying him that make this cover version unique. It gives the song a grand feel that the original never had.

Delhi 2 Dublin - Harmonizin'

Taken from their album Planet Electric, Delhi 2 Dublin reference Groove Armada in the lyrics of their interpretation of Superstylin'. With the band's signature strings and Indian influences, Harmonizin' is as good as the original track. Jay Dabhi's remix is also worth a listen.